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ONE Pallet Project | Easy Potting Table

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If you’ve ever wanted to make a simple, functional potting table without spending a dime, this project is for you! Using just a single pallet, I created a charming little table perfect for gardening, organizing tools, or even displaying plants. With minimal cuts and basic tools, this beginner-friendly DIY proves that you don’t need a pile of materials to create a one-pallet project that is both beautiful and practical.

I recently got a couple of great pallets from the neighborhood, so I decided to make an easy one-pallet potting table for this month’s Power Tool Challenge. You’re going to love the projects my friends are making this month!

One Pallet Project | Easy Potting Bench

two free pallets leaning against a wooden fence

I used the pallet on the right for this easy one-pallet project.

A Duckbill Deck Wrecker Takes Apart Pallets Easily

duckbill deck wrecker available on Amazon

I used my favorite pallet-busting tool, my Duckbill Deck Wrecker.

pallet boards removed from pallet - laying on the grass

This pallet came apart in record time. Only a few nails remained in the skid. Most of the nails were left in the pallet boards and were easily tapped out and disposed of. I give full directions on how to do this in my post Pallet Projects Plus Tips for  How to Dismantle Pallets.

I Recommend Exterior Wood Screws

wood screws sticking out of a pallet board

As usual, I didn’t have a plan when I started this project. I knew I needed a base for the tabletop; an apron or skirt was my priority. First, I began by figuring out how to get everything out of the three skid boards. I cut two smaller and two longer boards. It’s better to start the screws to make them easier to drive into the hardwood. I used 2 1/2″ exterior wood screws for the thicker apron pieces.

a drill driving wood screws to build the box

Two screws were used in each end; I made sure to countersink them as I drove them in.

attaching legs with wood screws

This pallet had four wide boards perfect for the legs of my one-pallet potting table. I used shorter 1 5/8 exterior wood screws for this step. I rested the end of the leg on the work table supported by scrap wood.

Should The Potting Bench Have a Lower Shelf?

tall potting table

At this point, I only have the four legs attached to the pallet potting table apron. I was trying to figure out how to finish off the bottom with a shelf and sturdy up the legs. The pallet potting table is relatively high, but it makes working at it more comfortable.

irwin quick clamp holding bottom shelf brace

I attached a brace to the bottom shelf using an Irwin Quick Clamp.

Using All The Parts of The Pallet

bottom shelf brace

I used the smaller 1 5/8″ screws, securing from the outside in, countersinking the screws.

attaching bottom shelf boards

Two of the smaller screws were used at each end of the bottom shelf boards.

Sand The Rough Pallet Boards

sanding one pallet potting bench boards

I used my orbital sander to smooth out the boards. You can see my shaggy Miss Lulu Mae in the background.

back ledge pallet potting table

I put a small ledge on the back of the pallet potting table. In this image, you see me using the long screws, but they went through the skid board, so I switched them out for the 1 5/8″ screws.

One Pallet Project | Easy Potting Table

a drill driving wood screws to build the box

I love that you can see the shape of the skid where the forklift picks it up. It offers a unique look for the easy potting table.

one pallet potting bench with flowers and tools

Please PIN IT!

I purchased some small items from Dollar General to accessorize the potting table, along with a reclaimed broken bow rake to hang the garden hand trowels and more.

I like the mason jar sign, “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” The two little pots that say “grow love” and “plant hope” really caught my eye at the store! I love the colors and the font. Hanging on the fence will allow them to hold extra garden goodies if holes are drilled in the bottom for drainage. Small flowering plants would look cute in them as well.

This easy pallet potting table is proof that you can do a lot with just a little. I love how quick and satisfying this project was—and it’s always exciting to turn something headed for the landfill into something useful again.

Be sure to check out the other creative builds from this month’s challenge, and I hope you’re inspired to give pallet projects a try, too!

I’m so thankful for this monthly challenge, which makes me think about making fun and unique items! Be sure to check out all the great projects from my friends below:

Easy Home Decor Power Tool Projects

  The Kim Six Fix Vintage Surveyors Tripod Lamp

Virginia Sweet Pea DIY Candlesticks Using Upcycled Bedposts

H2OBungalow Upcycled Metal and Wood Table

Create and Babble Little Round Stool

My Love 2 Create Small Decorative Caddy

My Repurposed Life Easy One Pallet Project

Designed Decor Build Your Own Tufted Bench

gail

Related Content:

Reclaimed Wood Potting Bench for Outdoor Entertaining

Repurposed Desk Potting Bench

18 Comments

  1. Dear virtual friend! Glad to meet you here, love your projects! you are a truly inspiration for many generations…playing your tutorials so many time and working on some great projects @my backyard.I’ll send you a pic of final projects! with all respect, Dana

  2. Love what you did Gail. It’s not easy finding plans that only use one pallet and your potting table looks so cool. We really need to get ourselves one of those Duckbill Deck Wreckers. Taking the pallets apart is always the hardest job

  3. Gail, This turned out great! I have been wanting a potting bench and now I know what to use to build it. I wear those steal top flip flops all the time to do my projects. My toes are splattered with stain after yesterday’s project.

  4. Love this. Do you worry about termites in your area? Here in Arizona there are 2 types of house, those that have termites and those that will have termites. Is there a way to finish the bottoms of the boards that makes them termite proof? I love the desert I live in but it does create some problems.

  5. You come up with the best ideas! I loved the pallet bar that you created earlier this year and your pallet potting bench is another great project. I don’t have a potting bench and like that your design would be inexpensive to make and it doesn’t take a lot of room.

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